One of the main developments that has enabled the Criminal Justice field to advance would be the updated computers and software that many squad cars have been fitted with. I had the opportunity to intern with the Fargo Police Department over the summer and clocked over 150 hours of ride alongs. Needless to say, I got to know these computers very well. At the time, most of the squads Fargo had were just being set up with newer systems and updated programs. They were designed to make things faster and easier for the officers while in their vehicle. From looking up a license plate, reading calls as they come in or looking up an individual they have pulled over or apprehended the new systems make that all faster. Which benefits everyone because the officers can find out their information sooner which can make them safer, the individuals don't have to sit and wait as long for the officer and they are able to find out if someone has a warrant or an "alert" attached to their name without having to look for it. These newer computers also have GPS and real time tracking not only for officer safety but also so officers can see how far their partner is away from a scene. Along with those updates came the ability to enter citation information into the computer and print it via electronic printer that were set up in the squad car. This makes it faster and easier to issue citations and then the individual has it right away.
Now some people state that while this new technology may improve police work on the streets, it may also be a distraction. When are police officers most likely to use the license plate look up feature? The answer is when they are not on a call driving around in traffic. They have to take away some of their focus from their surroundings to look at the screen. Now, when they are using the system to look a person up via drivers license they would already be pulled over so it wouldn't be a problem. Police officers have to go through training with these computers and learn how to use them but be a cautious and safe driver as well. From my experience, officers usually only run plates when they are stopped at a light or stop sign which decreases the likelihood of them getting in an accident.
Interestingly, there has been some talk about the possibility of a new technological advancement of inserting a "tracking chip" into certain people who are on parole and probation. Our society is questioning what additional resources are available to help ease the affliction of crime. With technology growing in leaps and bounds everyday, could it be possible to use technology to limit some of the violent offenses from occurring? Based on developments related to Global Positioning Systems (GPS), the idea is to develop an implant that could track, in real time all parolee's, probationers and sex offenders. Professor of Cybernetics, Kevin Warwick implanted a micro tracking chip into his own arm to demonstrate how humans and computers can work together. He is linked to all the computers and they will automatically pull up his "favorites" on his internet browsing sites.( http://libcat.post.ca.gov) Now, I just want to say that I don't agree with this concept. I do not believe that individuals should be medically fitted with a tracking chip in their skin. Advocates for this tracker believe that the ankle monitors aren't working as effectively as they could be and are subjected to more tampering, thus allowing more
crimes to occur.
crimes to occur.
I would like to add the topic of all officers wearing cameras on their person and their car. It is very expensive I am sure but I really feel that it is a beneficial investment. With always active cameras, there wouldn't be as many cases of excessive force or similar situations. Usually the officer is always given the benefit of the doubt and having cameras would just be concrete evidence and we would be having less issues.
ReplyDeleteIt is expensive but it does benefit the officers and their departments immensely. The cameras allow the officers to always have "someone on their side" so they are able to prove what happened, and it not just be their word. Through my internship I became familiar with the cameras that the Fargo police have, they only have the squad cams that are located in front and one in the back seat. They don't have the camera on them, they just have a device they must carry with them when they exit their car. The only down side is that it only records what the squad can see, so if they are out of range, the sensor kicks on, the camera starts rolling but it may not see what the officer is seeing. It is also nice because the camera will automatically kick on when the squad car reaches a certain speed so that way the officer doesn't have to worry about turning on their camera while they are pursuing someone.
DeleteIt would be interesting if a study was done on a before and after on whether or not Police were more or less likely to give out citations because they could do it faster because of the new computers and programs.
ReplyDeleteI hear a lot of people that criticize cops for using their computers while driving and compare it to texting and driving. But like you said, the officers are TRAINED to do it, and besides, they run plates while at stoplights in order to minimize distraction. I personally have a lot of respect for law enforcement, which is contrary to what can be said about much of our generation.
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